Indian Army to modernize air fleet with LUH helicopters and new drone capabilities.

The Indian Army is gearing up for an ambitious modernization of its air fleet, planning the gradual replacement of its Chetak and Cheetah helicopters with indigenously manufactured Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) and scaling up its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capabilities. over the next two decades.

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LUH's final test flight of Army Acceptance Trials on 7 October 2021 (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, which have long been the mainstays of the Indian armed forces, will be replaced in the next ten to twenty years. These helicopters, used for a multitude of missions, from communications to rescue, are nearing the end of their technical life after decades of loyal service. HAL has produced over 350 Chetak helicopters, with 51 currently in service with the Indian Navy, and continues to provide support for their maintenance.

The Cheetal, a re-engineered version of the Cheetah, was designed to improve high-altitude operational capabilities and maintainability, as well as provide a mid-life upgrade for safe and reliable operations. HAL delivered the first Cheetal helicopter to the IAF during Aero India 2021, being one of 10 ordered.

The Army plans to acquire 250 LUHs to strengthen its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. “We will purchase the LUHs, but given HAL's current capabilities, we need to consider other ways to replace the Cheetah and Chetak fleet completely,” an official said. The emphasis is on indigenization, with a preference for helicopters made in India.

HAL's LUH has demonstrated its ability to operate in high-altitude and high-temperature conditions in the Himalayas. With successful trials at Leh at an altitude of 3,300 meters and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) at 5,000 meters, the LUH has proven its hovering performance in extreme conditions. It landed on the highest helipads of Amar and Sonam, thus proving its superiority in terms of carrying capacities and maneuverability compared to the Cheetah.

The LUH is now ready for Initial Type Certification, with a 25-30% improved load capacity compared to the Cheetah. Equipped with an autopilot, the LUH is expected to be delivered to the Army by December 2024, with annual production estimated at 30-35 helicopters for all three services of the armed forces.

The Army has already formed a squadron of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) and is awaiting delivery of 90 more LCHs, which will share weapon components with the ALH-WSI Rudra. Additionally, the introduction of six Apache attack helicopters is planned for early next year, which will strengthen the Army's presence along the western borders.

As for UAVs, the Army has inducted four Heron Mk 2s and is awaiting delivery of the Hermes Starliner. These UAVs will be equipped for satellite communication, and the existing Heron MK 1 fleet is being upgraded to include this capability. The manufacturing of Hermes Starliners in India demonstrates the country's commitment to self-reliance in its defense.